People all over the United States celebrate Halloween, but for one organization, it’s about more than just spooky fun and treats.
For the folks at Spirit Halloween, the ghoulish festivities are meant for everyone, and that especially goes for the kids at children's hospitals across the U.S.
For decades, Spirit Halloween stores have been a great place to find the most popular costumes and spooky decorations, but in 2006, it became about more than just fun.
”In 2006, we wanted to give back to our local communities, and we created the Spirit of Children Program, which partners with local area hospitals to fund their child life department," said John Domeracki, Consignment Operator for Spirit Halloween Stores.
Leaders chose the child life department because both the department and Halloween store are rooted in the same goal.
”Child life endeavors to try to make a child’s experience at a hospital less frightening, less scary. So, that’s the idea behind Spirit of Children, to make hospitals less scary for children and their families," said Domeracki.
Above donating the money they raise to hospitals, Spirit of Halloween delivers free costumes and holds a party for the patient. However this year, COVID-19 affected the festivities.
"They sent us costumes and goody bags and some things to go in those goody bags. So, we will be developing an event where we can go room to room and invite patients to play games," said Leah Woodward, Child Life Specialist at Mclane Children’s Hospital.
Even though the activities have changed, Woodward says the work Spirit Halloween and the hospital have done together this year will still help patients and their families get through the hard times during their stay.
”Being able to play games, being able to win a costume is something a little bit normal, and that’s an important part of heal as well," she explained.
Killeen mother Becky Waterman, whose son, Noah, spent time in a children’s hospital, has a message for both the hospitals and Spirit Walloween.
”Thank you for everything that you do, the day in and day out. Those folks are there 24-7. The nurses, the doctors, the staff and then you got them dressing up like Halloween to bring some normalcy to those kids' lives on top of their regular job. So, thank you very much for everything that you guys do," she said.
All of the money raised at Bell County locations will go to McLane Children’s Hospital in Temple.
Since partnering with the hospital in 2009, the Spirit of Children organization has raised over $400,000 in donations.
